Delhi is preparing for extensive security arrangements and travel restrictions on Saturday, October 10, ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other groups. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Train cancellations, proposed restrictions at 57 Metro stations and the closure of retail liquor shops are likely to affect movement across the national capital. However, there is no blanket shutdown of Delhi, and several services and establishments are expected to remain operational.
Delhi Metro: Restrictions proposed at 57 stations
Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider restricting entry and exit at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday until Saturday, with the measures continuing until the situation normalises. The proposal also includes reducing train frequency at the identified stations.
The list includes Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Kashmere Gate, Hauz Khas and Lajpat Nagar.
The proposed restrictions do not mean the entire Metro network will shut down. Commuters should check official DMRC updates before starting their journeys.
Train services and road travel
Mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday face cancellations at their originating stations. The order applies to trains that departed, or were scheduled to depart, after 2 pm on Friday and were due to reach either station during the specified window.
The decision was taken amid concerns about severe traffic congestion around the stations. Passengers should check their train status before travelling.
Police are also coordinating with cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, to manage movement towards Lutyens' Delhi. Restrictions may be imposed on roads leading into the New Delhi district.
Liquor shops closed, restaurants remain open
Retail liquor outlets across Delhi will remain closed on October 9 and 10 under an excise department order. The closure covers specified outlets selling Indian, foreign and country liquor, including certain shops in malls.
Licensed restaurants, bars and clubs, however, are expected to operate normally and continue serving liquor.
There is no blanket order for the closure of all shops, markets, offices or other commercial establishments across Delhi. Residents should check local advisories for any area-specific restrictions.
Jantar Mantar access restricted amid security measures
Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed protest and restricted access to the Jantar Mantar site. Entry has also been denied to media personnel, while barricades have been placed near the Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar roundabout.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in the New Delhi district, and police have warned against unauthorised gatherings.
Authorities have prepared a security plan involving 37 blocking points and 15 designated detention centres. Security has also been strengthened at several Delhi borders, with police contacting market and resident welfare associations ahead of the demonstration.
With restrictions varying by location and service, commuters should check official updates before travelling on Saturday.